Godrej Interio Launches Research Study: ‘Visual Ergonomics’

MUMBAI:
Godrej Interio, India’s leading furniture solutions brand today announced the launch of its exclusive new research study: ‘‘Visual Ergonomics” that detail the ergonomic risk factors at workplaces to prevent computer vision syndrome. The data was gathered while doing the assessments of more than 500 individuals. The analysis included work profiles, gadget usage trends, and the postures.

Vision problems have increased in recent years, owing to excessive use of digital screens at work and home, be it the computer or mobile phones. The increased duration of computer and mobile-viewing experience has led to the development of several eye issues, ranging from visual fatigue and headaches to more complicated problems like dry eyes, blurred vision, double vision, irritation, watering, and so n. The study digs deeper into the scientific causes of most vision problems and provides explanations for each to help office goers understand how to take good care of their eyes and maintain proper eye hygiene.

Sameer Joshi, Associate Vice President, Marketing (B2B), Godrej Interio “Digitization is at its fastest pace in today’s scenario and the use of laptops/computers as a primary tool at workplaces, academic institutions and homes has become the need of the hour. The use of these gadgets has made our lives simpler and efficient with easy access to information and communication with others. However, prolonged use of these gadgets comes with its own set of disadvantages. To address visual health
challenges among computer users at an organisational level it is important to formulate comprehensive employee wellbeing guidelines.”

According to the research study, office employees spend at least 6 hours per day looking at a computer screen. 65% reported eye-strain and vision problems. 47% have headaches and fatigue. It also revealed that there is an excessive screen exposure among Indians, 70% of employees spend 6-9 hours every day in front of their gadget screens. There is also Inappropriate illumination levels 68% of workstations in Indian offices are improperly illuminated 58% had ‘not enough’ illumination 42% had excessive illumination. Adequate lighting ensures enough illumination for people to see printed, handwritten, or computer displayed content clearly without getting blinded by excessive lighting. On the other hand, an overly brightly lit room or dim lighting, big, open windows or overhead lights create a washout effect on the digital screens.

Another reason for CVS is Monitor placement – Workstation Ergonomics; a monitor placed in the wrong position can affect neck posture and can cause extra ocular pain symptoms like the neck, upper back, and shoulder pain. Excessive exposure to the gadget screen for extended periods can have a physical and physiological impact on the health & wellbeing of employee.

To address visual health challenges among computer users at an organisational level it is important to formulate comprehensive employee wellbeing guidelines. The Workspace & Ergonomics Research Cell of Godrej Interio suggests a proactive approach of assessment, correction and prevention to address visual ergonomics at workplaces. These effective suggestions range from simple eye exercises and altering illumination levels in the workspace to regular and proper assessment and evaluation of employees’ visual status.

Assessment
An illumination audit of the office space could be looked at to reduce the common employee complaints and enhance staff productivity. An illumination audit will help assess the different lighting needs of the various work profiles, equip various spaces with optimal illumination levels and help enhance employee wellbeing
 Ergonomic evaluations – Assessment of workplace ergonomics with recommendations for computer work and workstations
 Employee vision screening – Visual evaluation of every computer-using employee on site at regular intervals must be made mandatory
 Annual CVS check – A regular CVS check is recommended for employees. Often this can be covered within the regular health check procedures of organizations if they include an active eye healthcare element.

Correction
Creating awareness is the key to address ergonomic challenges. This must be followed by the right training about the right habits, workstation arrangement, and digital hygiene that fit into the work routine. Additionally, imparting training on physical and mental fitness through basic relaxation techniques is also advisable to combat visual fatigue

Prevention
Prevention comes from awareness. This means educating employees on potential ergonomic issues.
There are several ways organisations can address this, including:
 Weekly communication on health tips targeting visual health
 Doing regular eye camps in their premises or adding the same in annual health check-ups
 Tracking and reviewing progress
 Maintenance of visual and ergonomic conditions

While experts estimate the impact of CVS, office spaces needs to designed with a structured approach and a long-term perspective to prevent computer vision syndrome and other ergonomic risks faced by their employees.